Conakry – Former Guinean Prime Minister Ibrahima Kassory Fofana has been sentenced to five years in prison for embezzlement, illicit enrichment, and corruption, a special financial crimes court ruled on Thursday.
Fofana, who served under President Alpha Conde from 2018 until the 2021 military coup, has been behind bars since April 2022. The ruling, delivered by Judge Lansana Soumah, also requires him to pay a fine of two million Guinean francs ($230,600) and 18 billion Guinean francs in damages.
The court found that Fofana misappropriated 15 billion Guinean francs meant for anti-COVID measures and economic programs.
His conviction is part of the junta’s anti-corruption drive, which has targeted former officials. In November 2022, prosecutors charged former President Conde and over 180 officials with corruption. Additionally, ex-Defense Minister Mohamed Diane was sentenced to five years in December for similar offenses.
Despite promises of fairness from junta leader General Mamady Doumbouya, critics claim the crackdown is politically motivated, suppressing opposition voices while consolidating military rule.
